15 Easy Winter Cocktails

When winter sets in, you want cocktails that are as cozy as they are easy to make. If you’re tired of over-complicated recipes or the same old drinks, I’ve got you covered with these 15 easy winter cocktails. Each one is designed to bring warmth and flavor to your cold-weather evenings, using simple ingredients that deliver a big taste without the hassle.

Hot Toddy

The hot toddy is a classic winter cocktail perfect for cold nights. It provides warmth and comfort with its simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon or Irish)
1 tbsp honey
½ lemon (juiced)
1 cup hot water
Cinnamon stick or lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

Pour whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into a mug.
Stir well until the honey dissolves.
Add hot water and stir again.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice.

Variations:

Substitute rum or brandy for whiskey.
Use Maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.

Enjoy your hot toddy in a warm setting, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Adjust the ingredients to match your personal taste preferences.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a popular winter drink. It’s a staple in many European countries. This warm beverage is perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of dry red wine
1/4 cup of brandy
1/4 cup of honey or sugar
1 orange, sliced
10 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine wine, brandy, and honey.
Add orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg.
Heat on low, but don’t boil. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture to remove spices.
Serve warm, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Mulled wine offers a delightful holiday aroma. The spices blend perfectly with the wine. It brings warmth and comfort during the cold season.

You can adjust sweetness to your liking. Use more or less honey as needed.

Eggnog

Eggnog is a winter classic. It’s rich, creamy, and full of festive flavor. You can enjoy traditional eggnog or try a cocktail for a seasonal twist.

If you want to make eggnog from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:

6 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Beat eggs until light and gradually add sugar.
Mix in milk, cream, bourbon (if using), and vanilla.
Stir in nutmeg.
Chill before serving.

Store-bought eggnog offers versatility. Mix with different flavors for unique drinks.

Try this Peppermint Eggnog Cocktail:

1 cup eggnog
1 ounce peppermint schnapps
1 ounce vodka
Crushed peppermint stick (for garnish)

Instructions:

Combine eggnog, schnapps, and vodka in a shaker.
Shake well with ice.
Strain into a glass.
Garnish with crushed peppermint.

For a non-alcoholic option, consider Spiced Chocolate Eggnog:

1 cup eggnog
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

Mix eggnog, chocolate syrup, and cinnamon.
Heat gently on the stove.
Top with whipped cream if desired.

These options bring delightful variations to your holiday season.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee combines rich coffee with Irish whiskey for a warming drink.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
3/4 ounce coffee liqueur
3/4 ounce Irish cream liqueur
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 ounces freshly brewed coffee
Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Instructions:

Warm an Irish coffee glass with hot water.
Add the brown sugar.
Pour in the Irish whiskey and coffee liqueur.
Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the freshly brewed coffee.
Float the whipped cream on top by using the back of a spoon.

Serve immediately for the best experience. Make sure your coffee is freshly brewed for optimal flavor.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a quintessential winter cocktail. It’s warming, rich, and full of comforting flavors. Making it at home is simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of ground cinnamon
A pinch of ground nutmeg
2 ounces dark rum
Hot water
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

Mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mug.
Pour in the rum.
Add hot water and stir until everything is well combined.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

This drink combines silky texture with a spicy aroma. Perfect for cozy evenings.

Tom & Jerry

The Tom & Jerry cocktail is a nostalgic winter classic. This warm drink pairs perfectly with frosty nights.

To prepare the Tom & Jerry batter, begin by gathering your ingredients:

Egg whites: 6, whipped to stiff peaks
Cream of tartar: 1/2 teaspoon
Egg yolks: 6, beaten
Sugar: 1 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Spices: Nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, to taste

Fold the beaten yolks into the stiff egg whites. Add sugar, vanilla, and spices. Mix gently to keep the batter aerated.

For each serving, you’ll need:

Tom & Jerry batter: 1-2 tablespoons
Dark rum: 1 ounce
Cognac or brandy: 1 ounce
Hot milk or hot water: Fill to the top

Preheat your mugs with hot water, then empty them. Add batter to the warm mug. Pour in rum and cognac. Fill with hot milk or water. Stir until the drink is frothy and well-mixed.

Garnish each mug with freshly grated nutmeg on top. The aroma is inviting and adds a festive touch.

Serve this classic winter cocktail warm. It’s perfect for embracing the holiday spirit.

Hot Apple Cider With Bourbon

Warm up your winter evenings with a hot apple cider with bourbon. This drink combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the comforting taste of apple cider.

Ingredients:

½ gallon apple cider
2-3 cups bourbon
1 apple, sliced
1 pear, sliced
6 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise

Instructions:

Prepare your pot: In a large pot, combine apple cider, bourbon, apple, pear, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Heat the mixture: Set over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Reduce heat: Turn down to low and allow it to simmer. This keeps it warm and ready for serving.
Serve: Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, orange slices, or apple slices for extra flair.

This hot apple cider with bourbon is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Its warm spices and deep flavor will make any evening special. Adjust bourbon according to your taste preference.

Classic Negroni

The Classic Negroni is a sophisticated cocktail choice. Its balance of ingredients offers a unique taste.

Ingredients:

1 ounce gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

In a mixing glass, add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel for added aroma.

The combination of these ingredients creates an iconic flavor profile. The bitterness of Campari, the herbal sweetness of vermouth, and the strength of gin form a perfect harmony. Serve it neat or with ice, depending on your preference.

Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic winter cocktail. It’s known for its bold flavors and warmth. This drink is often seen as a staple at cozy gatherings.

To make a Manhattan, you’ll need:

2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
Stir for 30 seconds, or until cold.
Strain into a coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

The Manhattan is praised for its simplicity. The balance of sweet vermouth and bitters provides a rich complexity. This cocktail is perfect for those chilly nights.

When enjoying a Manhattan, pair it with rich foods. Try cheeses or charcuterie. The bold flavors complement each other beautifully.

You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Use more vermouth for a sweeter drink. Opt for bourbon if you prefer a milder taste. Experiment to find your perfect mix.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail perfect for winter. You can enjoy its rich flavors by a warm fireplace. It’s simple to prepare and provides a comforting taste.

Traditional Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Ice

Instructions:

Place the sugar cube in a glass.
Add the bitters, then muddle until dissolved.
Add whiskey and ice, then stir.
Garnish with orange peel.

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

Elevate your Old Fashioned with winter spices. This adds warmth and complexity to the drink.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2-3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Orange peel
Ice

Instructions:

Infuse whiskey with cloves overnight.
Muddle sugar or use simple syrup with bitters.
Add spiced whiskey and ice, then stir well.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange peel.

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander is a creamy cocktail perfect for winter. It’s rich and indulgent, offering a comforting drink for chilly nights. With just a few ingredients, you can easily prepare it at home.

Ingredients

1 oz brandy
1 oz crème de cacao
1 oz heavy cream
Fresh nutmeg, for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Prepare Your Glass
Fill a cocktail glass with ice water and set aside.
Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.
Shake It Up
Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until the exterior feels cold.
Strain and Serve
Empty the ice water from the glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
Garnish
Grate fresh nutmeg over the top before serving.

Winter Margarita

Winter Margaritas bring a seasonal twist to a classic cocktail. They’re perfect for cozy evenings. These drinks often feature flavors like cranberry and pomegranate.

Try this simple Winter Margarita recipe:

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
1 oz cranberry juice
1 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz spiced pear syrup
Salt and chili powder mix for the rim
Ice

Instructions:

Rim a glass with lime and dip in the salt and chili mix.
Combine all liquids in a shaker with ice.
Shake well for several seconds.
Pour into the prepared glass.
Add ice as desired.

The blend of fruit juices with tequila gives a delightful taste. The salt and chili rim adds an extra kick. Each sip brings flavors that complement winter’s chill. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a unique touch.

Sazerac

The Sazerac cocktail offers a taste of New Orleans tradition. Perfect for winter evenings, its bold flavors bring warmth.

To make a Sazerac, gather these ingredients:

2 oz rye whiskey
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
1 cube sugar
1/4 oz absinthe
Lemon twist for garnish

Steps:

Chill an old-fashioned glass.
In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters.
Add rye whiskey and ice. Stir well.
Coat the chilled glass with absinthe. Discard excess.
Strain the whiskey mixture into the glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Discover the Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail. This classic winter drink combines dark rum with spicy ginger beer. It’s refreshing and flavorful, perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

2 oz Goslings Black Seal Rum
3 oz ginger beer
1/2 lime, juiced
Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour ginger beer, leaving space at the top.
Add lime juice.
Slowly pour rum over the back of a spoon to float it on the ginger beer.
Garnish with a lime wedge.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing blend of flavors. It combines vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, served in a copper mug.

Basic Moscow Mule Recipe:

Ingredients: